Still stocked with talent a season after its first sectional championship, in Class 3A, the Metamora baseball team has taken its share of hits already this spring.

Junior pitcher/first baseman Trent Johnson suffered torn posterior ulnar lateral ligament while throwing a pitch on Monday at Joliet Catholic. Committed to the University of Arizona and the Journal Star’s Player of the Year last spring as a sophomore (.462 BA, 10 HRs; 1.80 ERA), Johnson is scheduled to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery next week.

His injury came three days after senior center fielder Brendan Nachtrieb (.351 BA, 30 RBIs) was shelved with a hamstring injury. He’s expected to be out about a month.

“Lose two of your team captains in three days, that’s a tough stretch,” coach Eric Stone said.

The Redbirds have youth and prospects to lean on.

Ethan Skender (.372 BA), a junior committed to Kansas State, has moved from outfield to shortstop.

“He’s still learning the position but he’s got the athleticism and natural ability to succeed,” Stone said.

Sophomore left-hander Geremy Guerrero (9-1 record), No. 2 on the mound last season, is now the No. 1. Brady Fairfield (.330 BA), a junior and returning second baseman also is a D-I prospect.

“We’re still got plenty of talent but we’re going to need guys to step up offensively, in the rotation and in the field,” Stone said.

PLAYERS AND COACHES: Sean Watkins at Notre Dame, Brandon Porter at Brimfield/Elmwood and Robb Wicks at Tremont are each promoted assistants and among first-year head coaches in the area.

All three formerly played for the teams they now coach. Watkins was the Journal Star’s first Player of the Year, in 1992.

DIAMOND DUST: Manual’s Austin Noel was released after an overnight stay at a Peoria hospital earlier this week. The senior pitcher/catcher suffered from an obstructed airway after being struck in the throat by a pitched ball while catching on Tuesday at Tremont. He was transported from the field via helicopter. Noel has since been cleared to resume baseball activities. … Limestone junior catcher Dominic Johnson will miss the season with an athletics-code violation. Johnson as a sophomore batted .307 with 20 RBIs. … Williamsfield senior Tyler Doubet also will miss the season with an ACV. He was the No. 2 pitcher last season for the G/W team that played for a 1A supersectional.

Lonnie Schwindenhammer can be reached at 686-3214 or lschwindenhammer@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Schwinlo